Sign the Business Statement for Sanctuaries

Last year the State Government decided to allow fishing from the shore in the protected sanctuary zones of NSW marine parks, including Port Stephens – Great Lakes Marine Park.

Incredibly, Premier Mike Baird is now considering changing legislation to make this permanent. According to scientists, this would significantly undermine the health of local marine life, thereby risking the region’s branding as an iconic coastal holiday destination.

If we can secure the endorsement of 30 businesses in the Port Stephens – Great Lakes Marine Park area, we believe Premier Baird will listen to common sense and retain the existing sanctuaries.

Please lend your support by adding your business’s name to this statement and encouraging other local businesses to do the same.

As soon as our target is reached, we’ll present it to Premier Baird for his urgent consideration. Thank you for your support. With your help, we can turn this situation around.

Port Stephens Business Statement for Sanctuaries

Port Stephens – Great Lakes Marine Park occupies a special place on the NSW coast.

Its unique marine life and beautiful beaches are protected by a marine park which is increasingly part of the region’s identity and economic ‘infrastructure’. The Park acts as a tourism magnet, promoting the region’s coastal assets and promising unique nature-based experiences to both domestic and international visitors.

At the heart of the marine park are its sanctuary zones which, according to scientists, are essential for maintaining the health of the coast’s marine life. Importantly, these ‘national parks of the sea’ also provide unique nature-based experiences rarely found outside of highly protected areas. They cater for divers, snorkelers and experience seekers attracted to increasingly sought-after pristine underwater environments.

The NSW Government has indicated that it will develop a new experimental approach to managing our coastal waters previously not seen in Australia. As part of this new approach, it has undertaken to review the current levels of protection found in our marine parks, and consider changing legislation to permanently allow fishing from the shore in protected marine sanctuary zones.

The local business community has not been consulted on the development of this new approach and holds significant concerns regarding its impact on our regional economy.

We believe this approach risks the natural assets that contribute to our region’s economic advantage and undermines the sustainability of businesses which contribute significantly to local employment and prosperity.

We the undersigned regional businesses support our existing marine park and sanctuary zones and the investment by government which will ensure their proper management. Consequently we call on Premier Mike Baird to act decisively to protect our marine parks and sanctuaries, thereby securing our reputation as a great holiday destination, a healthy coastal economy, and a great place to live and work.

Add your name in support of the statement

Add your name in support of the Business Statement for Sanctuaries

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How will this statement and your information be used?
This statement and its list of business signatories will be presented to Premier Mike Baird and Environment Minister Rob Stokes (who is also the local Pittwater Member of Parliament). It may also be reproduced on this web site. The names and details of contact people will be treated confidentially and only be used to email you regarding this issue. They will not be passed on to any other organisation.

Further information
For further information about this statement email Save Our Marine Life’s project coordinator at info@saveourmarinelife.org.au